The Do Not Call Register: what it stops (and what it doesn't)

Australia's Do Not Call Register is free, takes a few minutes, and stops most legitimate businesses from cold-calling you. It won't stop scammers - they ignore every law - but it makes unwanted sales calls rarer and scams easier to spot.

How to register

• Online at donotcall.gov.au, or by phone on 1300 792 958.
• Australian mobiles and landlines (home or private use) can be registered - and fax numbers.
• Registration is free and doesn't expire.
• Allow up to 30 days for telemarketers to stop calling.

What it stops

Telemarketing calls and marketing faxes from Australian businesses offering goods or services - unless you've given them permission (for example, by ticking a box when you signed up for something).

Who can still call

• Charities (registered charities seeking donations);
• Political parties and candidates;
• Educational institutions calling current or former students;
• Government bodies and emergency services;
• Market and survey researchers;
• businesses you've given consent to, or already have a relationship with in some circumstances.

Even exempt callers must follow the rules on calling hours and identifying themselves.

When telemarketers may call

Under the telemarketing industry standard, telemarketing calls may only be made 9am-8pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on Saturdays - not on Sundays or national public holidays. Callers must say who they are and who they're calling for, and stop when you ask.

Still getting calls?

1. Ask the caller to remove your number - they must.
2. Note the number, date, time and business name.
3. Complain to the ACMA through donotcall.gov.au.
4. Report the number on BadCall and choose "Telemarketer" so others know who keeps calling.

If the "telemarketer" asks for card details, remote access or a payment to claim a rebate, it's not a telemarketer - it's a scam. See reported telemarketers.